IT’S OFFICIAL - WOMEN ARE THE SAFEST PEDESTRIANS IN MERSEYSIDE

IT seems that men have been dealt yet another blow in the ongoing battle of the sexes. Not only do women mature faster, do better in school and drive better (some would argue) they are also apparently safer pedestrians.

Stats released from Merseyside Road Safety Partnerships, between 2006 and 2008, show that, on average, 53% more men are involved in pedestrian collisions than women.  In Merseyside, 28 men were killed during 2006/08 as a result of pedestrian collisions. Men involved in serious collisions totalled 361, with slight collisions reaching 1050.  The corresponding stats for women were considerably lower. Those involved in fatal collisions totalled 20 with serious and slight collisions numbering 182 and 736 casualties respectively.

Dave Foulkes, partnership manager for Merseyside Road Safety Partnership, commented:- “It’s important to remember that while men have a bigger collision ratio than women, the number of pedestrians involved in collisions is still too high, regardless of sex. Contributing factors to these collisions can range from alcohol to simply not paying attention, so we are urging all pedestrians to take greater care when walking the streets of Merseyside.    The partnership actively works on a year round basis to help make the roads of Merseyside safe for all road users, including pedestrians, but ultimately, it is up to the individual to ensure they behave in a safe manner when using the road. Staying safe is not rocket science; it’s about using your common sense. Simple things like looking both ways before you cross the road can save your life.”

TRANSITION SOUTHPORT TO HOST CLIMATE CHANGE MEETING

CLIMATE change is having profound effects on our planet and speakers from Christian Aid, Friends of the Earth and the TUC will be in Southport to talk about the challenges facing us and practical ways in which we can all help. The meeting is organised by Transition Southport and takes place on Wednesday, 18 November 2009 at 7:30pm, in Lord Street’s Christ Church.

Climate change is a complex subject and Christian Aid will be addressing developmental justice issues, whilst Friends of the Earth will focus on the environmental impact and the TUC on how jobs will be affected.

The meeting seeks to raise awareness of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen from 7 to 18 December 2009 and the importance of the outcome. Also, the UK’s biggest ever demonstration about climate change – The Wave – is planned in London on Saturday, 5 December 2009 and the meeting will encourage everyone to be part of it.

Christian Aid North West Manager Linda McClintock-Tiongco said:- "People living in the countries producing the least carbon are the ones most vulnerable to its effects. As one of our partners has stated, forget making poverty history because climate change will make poverty permanent.  If we don’t do something soon, millions of people could become environmental refugees. Bangladesh, for example, could lose up to 16% of its landmass as sea levels rise and rivers flood. This will cause untold suffering and may result in conflict between countries."